BTS cancels Seoul concert due to coronavirus epidemic

SEOUL -- Amid heightened concerns over the global spread of a highly contagious coronavirus, BTS canceled its Seoul concert, which was to be held in April.

"We regret to announce that the BTS MAP OF THE SOUL TOUR – SEOUL Concert, originally scheduled to be held on April 11, 12, 18 and 19 at OLYMPIC STADIUM, has been canceled," Big Hit Entertainment said in a statement uploaded to WeVerse, an official smartphone BTS fan community app, on Friday.

The Seoul concert should be called off to protect fans, band members and staff, Big Hit said, adding the decision was made to cooperate with a national fight to contain the epidemic. BTS has revealed this year's schedule for a world tour covering 18 cities with the first concert to be held in Seoul.